WHEREAS, U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Edward Karolasz, a resident of Kearny, and graduated from Kearny High School in 1999; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Karolasz subsequently enlisted in the U.S. Army; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Karolasz served proudly as a member of the U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, based in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and initially served in Iraq in the service of his country from 2002 through 2003; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Karolasz was redeployed to Iraq in September 2005 for his second tour of duty; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Karolasz was a courageous soldier, and a loving son and brother; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Karolasz has made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life in the line of duty while fighting for our country; and

WHEREAS, Staff Sergeant Karolasz's patriotism and dedicated service to his country make him a hero and a true role model for all Americans and, therefore, it is appropriate and fitting for the State of New Jersey to mark his passing and to honor his memory;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICHARD J. CODEY, Acting Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

The flag of the United States of America and the flag of New Jersey shall be flown at half-staff at all State departments, offices, agencies and instrumentalities during appropriate hours on Saturday, December 3, 2005, in recognition and mourning of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Edward Karolasz.

This Order shall take effect immediately.

GIVEN, under my hand and seal this 1st day
of December Two Thousand and Five, and
of the Independence of the United States,
the Two Hundred and Thirtieth.